Indiana softball senior outfielder Taylor Minnick was named a top 25 finalist for USA Softball’s Collegiate Player of the Year, the organization announced Wednesday.
After starting all 60 games for the Hoosiers and earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors in 2024, Minnick has taken her offensive game to new heights in 2025.
Through 46 starts, the Bloomington native is hitting a career-best .504 at the plate, which ranks second in the nation. Minnick’s performance in the batter’s box has propelled the Hoosiers to a nation-leading .380 batting average.
While her batting average stands out, Minnick also leads Indiana in most offensive statistical categories. The senior has collected a team-leading 67 hits, 15 home runs and 58 RBIs this season at the plate.
During her senior campaign, Minnick has stitched her name into the Indiana record books.
In an 8-2 victory over East Carolina University on March 1, Minnick notched her 154th career RBI — a program record. Then, the lefty hit the 55th double of her career in a 10-4 loss against Oregon on April 25, becoming the program’s all-time doubles leader.
Minnick earned a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team as a sophomore in 2023. With Big Ten awards expected to be announced in May, the senior appears poised to receive this honor for a second time.
She is one of nine seniors and seven members of the Big Ten to be named to USA Softball’s top 25 list.
The organization is set to narrow its list down to the top 10 on May 14, before the top three finalists are announced May 19. The Player of the Year will be revealed the week of the Women’s College World Series, which will be held May 29-June 6 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
